Distracted Driver Law Keeps Eyes On The Road
Beginning September 12, a new Maine law will help alter the course of accidents. Now, no longer can a driver operate a vehicle while distracted without being penalized.
The new distracted driver law is an attempt to cut down on accidents in Maine. Many states have previously banned the use of cell phones or text messaging while driving, however, Maine isn’t looking to technology as the root of the problem. It is instead hedging the most common denominator, drivers being distracted.
An estimated 12,000 accidents occur each year in the state of Maine due to a distracted driver, or roughly one-third of the total accidents in the state. Nationwide, the number soars to an estimated 5 million. State and local police will now be on the lookout for drivers who are acting carelessly or are distracted while driving and impose fines. A first offense of the new law carries a $50 fine, a second can be upwards of $250.
There is no set standard as to what qualifies as being distracted, rather it is open to an officer’s discretion. If an officer sees a distracted driver, he or she will pull you over. Distractions that have been known to cause accidents include:
- Use of cell phone
- Use of GPS system
- Changing the radio
- Eating
- Applying make-up
- Brushing your teeth
- Fooling around with friends
The new law does not attempt to stop driver actions, it instead hopes to minimize their effects and keep both drivers and pedestrians safe. For those that concentrate on the road, they will be in the clear. For those that are easily distracted or preoccupied, they will be fined.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the results of motor vehicle accidents. In attempt to maintain your health and the overall safety on the highways and byways of Maine, we’d like to offer you the following driving advice:
Keep your eyes on the road and hands upon the wheel.
For more information on the new distracted driver law please visit: www.drivinglaws.org/maine.php.
